Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted Kylian Mbappe will be available for selection in their UEFA Champions League game against Benfica. The French forward missed the Real Sociedad game because of a niggle.
What happened to Kylian Mbappe?
Interacting with the media, Arbeloa said that Mbappe was having discomfort for some time and needed a rest. He added that the striker wanted to participate in the game against Real Sociedad, but they decided not to risk him. He said:
"Kylian Mbappe has been dealing with this discomfort for quite some time. He’s putting in a huge effort every time he goes out on the pitch, and today we decided not to take any risks ahead of Tuesday. I think he’ll be available."
Latest update on Dani Carvajal
Arbeloa also gave updates on fitness of Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. He wanted to take his time with the two right-backs as they have been dealing with the injuries this season and said:
"He took the first step today. It was a very good 30 minutes; I liked the ovation from the stadium, he deserves it. We have many matches ahead. He and Trent are coming off a period of injury and can’t play 90 minutes every three days. My goal is to have them both at 100%."
Real Madrid are facing Benfica in the UEFA Champions League playoffs and need to defeat the Portuguese club over the two legs. They lost to Jose Mourinho's side 4-2 in the last game of the group stage last month.